Chapter 9
Jina felt uneasy about this trip. Nothing about this whole situation sounded right. And to make matters worse, Treize had made a fool out of her again. She'd let her queen down and got the Amulet of Ra stolen. She was a horrible Commander maybe she would ask Sally to take her place.
The balcony was bloody from the battle earlier; she could smell the stench of the Tainted's blood and knew that they would've had to leave that place anyway. The blood was dried and dried blood was a contamination. She stepped out on the bloody balcony and put up with the stench; she'd smelled worse things.
"Penny for you thoughts?" the deep voice of Heero boomed behind her.
"I don't need a penny." Jina said, not looking at her lover.
"Then what do you need?" Heero whispered into her ear while lovingly massaging her shoulders.
"A happier ending than this." Jina replied and turned to meet his gaze. Instead he gave her a warm kiss.
"What is the matter, Jin?" His blue eyes tore into her soul.
"I have failed her again. If we loose this battle I will ask to be killed. I am not worthy to serve her." Jina said to Heero. He hugged her to him, not letting go.
"Don't you dare say that! You are more worthy than the whole lot of us. Jina, without you this would have never been possible." Heero's voice showed strong emotion; she was sure that no one had ever heard him this way.
"Heero, you don't understand…" Jina was interrupted.
"I understand. When I was in the war I was commander of the platoon. We were stuck in the trenches heading off enemy fire and my buddy in the foxhole, Majors, was telling me a story about his father. It had the best quote in it I'd ever heard: Stronger to finish, Stronger the person. He said that his father told him, it didn't matter how or when you finished, whether you were first or dead last, all that mattered was that you finished and didn't give up along the way. He was shot that night, but I never forgot what he said to me. Don't give up Jina, if you do we'll all be lost." Heero didn't say much after that. He stood and hugged her then gave her a chaste kiss on the forehead and started to walk into the loft whispering something about hoping that Duo hadn't taken the couch.
"Heero?" she said, stopping him in mid-mumble.
"Hai?" he replied.
"I want to give you something." She said grabbing the larger man to her. She gazed at the moon; it was calling to her with its bright, gray hue. The moon wanted her to fly to it. She did just that, letting her wings burst through her back and telling Heero to grip onto her tightly. She lifted off the ground and flew them into the sky; this was the most beautiful thing that anyone had ever given him.
****
The journey through Turkey was more than rough. Trowa was sick the whole time, his body resisting the new vampire blood that was in him. His usually healthy skin had no luster and his green eyes were dull with pain. He had night sweats and tremors and Roddy tried everything to make it less painful. Hopefully this would be the last day that Trowa had to go through this. They would be at the Oracle's in a couple of hours and she would be able to soothe his suffering.
"How is he?" Duo asked, watching as Trowa shook in Roddy's lap.
"The sun is bothering him, but it's not like we can do anything about it on this boat." Roddy said rubbing Trowa's sweaty hair.
"Do you need something love?" Roddy asked. Trowa licked his dry lips and cleared his throat.
"Water." Trowa requested. Roddy found this request strange. A vampire rarely wanted water, especially a newly turned vampire.
"Water, you sure?" Roddy asked. Trowa only shook his head and closed his eyes to shelter the sensitive orbs from the sun. Roddy summoned for water and Jina brought him the little bit they could find.
"Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink…" Jina said as the small stream of water flowed into Trowa's dry mouth.
"He wants water Jin, why?" Roddy asked.
"I don't know, my queen, it's as if he's crying out for his mortal self." Jina said and walked over to Heero. Roddy frowned down at her love; maybe he was mortal after all.
The rest of the trip was spent in silence. The girls wore dark black veils while in the light so that their sensitive skin wouldn't burn from the hot sun. The Island of Cyprus was going to be hot and bright; the girls and Trowa had to protect themselves.
The Oracle lived on the Island of Cypress in a small house in Lupta. The palm and Olive trees swayed over the sandy beaches as the warm breeze flowed through the air. Unfortunately Jina wasn't able to enjoy the beauty of the blue sky for fear of getting a bad sunburn. She was also in a bad mood about seeing the Oracle. She hated the Oracle.
Roddy walked up to the door, her face shrouded in black and awaited the answer.
"Welcome my Queen, I was expecting you." The Oracle said opening the door. This was no ordinary Oracle. She was dressed in a pair of half zipped cut-off shorts and a small shirt. She had her hair in a ponytail with a pair of stylish sunglasses on.
"Of course you were." Jinakel said under her breath.
"Jina, it's always a pleasure to see you." The Oracle smiled at her.
"Oracle Ashina we thank you for seeing us." Roddy said bowing her head.
"I had nothing else to do, and I was expecting you, of course. Come in." the Oracle stepped aside and let the group into her quaint home.
"This is the Oracle? Isn't she supposed to be shrouded in light and speaking in a loud booming tone?" Duo asked Hilde.
"You'd think that she'd at least have clothes on." Jina said back to Duo. They snickered quietly behind the woman.
"Mr. Maxwell!" the Oracle said in a loud booming tone and showered herself in light, " is this proof enough for you?"
"My Oracle, we need your help." Roddy said.
"I know you do. Would you like some tea?" Ashina asked.
"Yes please." Quatre piped up. Catherine smiled at her lover.
"Ah, Phoebus, I'm glad that you've found our dear Catherine." Ashina said handing Quatre a cup of tea.
"Phoebus? Wassat?" Quatre asked.
"The last time that our dear Cathy visited I told her that she would find Phoebus, the sun god of Greece. She's done much better I see." Ashina said pinching Quatre's cheek. Quatre blushed in reaction to the compliment and sipped his tea.
"Okay, enough of this tea party, we need the map to the ancient city Mahan Ra. We are running out of time, Treize has the amulet." Jina said getting right to the point. Ashina sipped her tea cordially and batted her eyes as if she hadn't heard Jina speak.
"Jinakel let me tell you what I see. Beware of the golden sands that drag you under, these are traps for the soulless." Ashina said. Jina looked at her with disdain.
"Great, just great. Catherine gets Phoebus the sun god and I get traps for the soulless. What is that supposed to mean anyway?" Jina rolled her eyes and fell back onto the couch in defeat.
"We have come for the map to stop this evil." Roddy said.
"And you are worthy your Majesty." Ashina said, taking Roddy's hand in hers, "the map is in your hand." A searing pain shot through Roddy's hand as the map burned into her palm. Ashina let go and Roddy stared down at her swollen, smoking hand. It hurt to the touch and the Oracle told Catherine to take Roddy into the kitchen and ice it.
"Now, let's take a look at the poor Trowa." Ashina said laying a hand on his feverish forehead, "you were weak when you turned him." Roddy nodded her head; her hand was wrapped in a bandage.
"Never be weak and fully turn a human, their blood is strong and will fight with yours if you are too weak. He is very ill. I will need at least a day to get him completely well." Ashina said as she propped Trowa's head up on her lap and gave him the medicinal tea.
"So that's why he asked for water." Roddy said, everything becoming clearer.
"Just as long as Treize's minions don't find us." Sally said.
"They cannot find the city anyway." Hilde said, finally speaking.
"No, my Hilde, the Amulet of Ra uses the sun to magnify the path. It will show him the way if he knows how to use it." Ashina said, rubbing Trowa's head with a cold compress, "I do believe that you should care for him. The tea that I made for him is on the stove; it should help kill your blood in him. He will be alright in the morning, you should put him in bed now and watch over him. I'm sorry I have nothing for you Guardians to eat, unless you want to eat mortal food."
"You made the tea for him before we got here how did you know…" Wufei asked.
"I am the Oracle, I know everything, Wufei" Ashina said and helped Roddy put Trowa in the bed. Wufei blinked in confusion; how did that onna know his name?
"I really hate her." Jina growled from the sofa. It was going to be a long day.
****
After the long journey and their interesting conversation with the Oracle, they were showed to their rooms. It was amazing to the group as to how much looks could be deceiving. The Oracle's seemingly tiny cottage was fit with underground bedrooms that looked like suites at one of the finest hotels. Everyone was surprised with the space that the tiny house provided. Most of everyone was tired from the long journey and retired then and there, everyone except Heero of course. He was tired but he felt as if he needed a bath. The eccentric Oracle had no formal bathroom of course; she had a personal bathhouse connected to the back of her cottage. Ashina smirked at Heero, handed him a towel and pointed him in the direction of the backyard where her bathtub was.
The scene was fitting for her. There was a large Grecian tub, big enough for two people in the middle of a row of Cyprus Trees. Grape Vines also hung shielding the tub from the general public and a canopy of gossamer linen flowed in the beauty of the wind. Though the scene was beautiful and Heero wanted nothing more than to get cleaned up after the trip, he was still a bit uneasy about bathing in the open space of the backyard. How does that saying go? While in Rome… He accepted it and drew himself a warm bath.
He surveyed the area around the porcelain tub and saw different vials of oils and fragrant waters. He picked up one that had purple flowers in it and poured a bit into his water; lavender water had a wonderfully soothing smell to it. He closed his eyes and inhaled the fragrant scent wondering if Jina would enjoy the smell on his skin. He smiled, he was sure she would, if he could ever get her into bed again.
Ever since the ambush Jina had been extremely distant with him. She spent most of her days with the Queen guarding Roddy with extreme skill. Heero missed her in his bed over the three days that they'd been journeying by train across the continents. Now they were in such a romantic place and she hadn't so much as said hello to him. He longed for her body next to him in his bed, yet every morning that he woke up she wasn't there. Maybe she regretted that night.
Shaking his thoughts away from his clouded mind, Heero stopped the water and removed his clothes. The sweat-slicked, dirty garments peeling off of his muscled, aching body slowly. Before he stepped into the water, he tested it with his finger to make sure it was perfect. After seeing that the water was fine he eased himself into the pleasing bath. It had been a long time since he'd felt so relaxed, the tranquil sounds of the sea behind him and the call of the Whippoorwill made this whole experience completely tranquil. Heero sighed, closed his eyes, and dunked his head under the water.
****
He was so lost in his experience that he didn't hear or notice the yellow-eyed vamp that was watching him from behind the grape vines. Jina realized how much she'd been ignoring Heero over the past week of their journey. She missed him. There were many nights that she would sneak into his room and watch the handsome man sleep, but would steal away before morning. Maybe one day, when this horrible war was over she would run away with Heero and they could own a small cottage like this.
She blushed as she watched the handsome man undress, her eyes running over the toned muscles and tanned skin. She ran her tongue lustfully over her sharp incisors; she was hungry but not for food. She walked closer to the tub, he not noticing because his head was under the water. She stealthily made her assault, making sure that she stayed in the shadows behind the linen drapes. She wanted to watch him a little more before she made her presence known.
Finally he popped his head from the water, his messy chocolate locks falling wetly across his forehead; he looked like he was fifteen. She could smell the lavender in the air mingled with the masculine scent of Heero and the sultry fragrance of the Grecian Isle, she knew what she wanted tonight.
In an act of pure spontaneity, she removed her black jacket and let it silently fall to the floor. She slowly unbuttoned her black shirt as she circled the tub, making her way behind him. She undid her combat boots quickly and slid her feet out of them. She walked around the tub making her way to his front, again Heero not sensing her presence. She unbuttoned her pants and let them slide off of her muscular legs. Lastly, she undid the tight bun she always wore her hair in and let the beautiful, black, thick length cascade down her back.
"Heero," she breathed his name from the shadows. He jumped quickly grabbing his gun knowing that it wouldn't work against a dangerous Tainted.
"Who's there?" he said feeling completely vulnerable. Jina smiled and stepped from the shadows to press her naked body against the thin gossamer drape. Heero relaxed at seeing the familiar silhouette and placed his gun back on the tiled floor.
"You scared me." He said clearing his throat and regaining his composure. Jinakel smiled and submerged herself in the shadows once again. Heero liked the little game she was playing and allowed himself to play along.
"You should be afraid. I'm hungry, Heero." Her voice was low and it didn't reach a pitch higher than a whisper. He realized that she'd moved and was now to his right instead of being directly in front of him.
"Are you going to feed on me?" Heero asked, his voice dropping into a deeper, sultry baritone. Jina bit her lower lip at hearing the pure lust in his voice. He still wanted her. She moved behind him for her final attack.
"In a way," she said moving from the shadows to whisper in his ear, "I'm hungry but not for blood." Heero turned around and brought their mouths together in a searing kiss. Passions rose as he pulled her into the large tub with him. Warm water splashed over the sides with the power of their lovemaking. The sounds of passionate moans and delighted screams echoed into the serene night, masking the song of the Whippoorwill behind the sound of two lovers.
*****
Lying next to one another in afterglow Jina and Heero felt completely at peace. The scene was lavish as Heero lay on Jin's chest being fed the sun-ripened grapes that she'd picked from the vineyard.
"Do you think that we should get out now?" Jina asked popping a plump grape into Heero's mouth.
"No. I'm too content to leave this place." Heero closed his eyes and enjoyed the sweetness of the fruit and the softness of Jina's chest.
"You know we need to get some sleep. We should be leaving tomorrow. The Oracle's spells always work faster than she expects them to." Jina said. Heero peered up at her with clear, blue eyes.
"Why don't you like the Oracle? I mean, yeah she's eccentric, but she is extremely kind." Heero said. Jina quickly turned away from his gaze to look at the tall, white moon.
"I hate how she's always right. I hate how she always gives me bad news. I hate how she talks in circles and doesn't get to the point but the point is always right in front of you." Jina said.
"You mean, how you're talking now? Tell me what happened." Heero sat up and moved his body to the other end of the tub. Jina took a deep, long breath and sighed.
"When we were looking for the last incarnation, before Roddy, it was during the American Civil War. The incarnation was a slave name Jojoba or Molly as they called her. We were posing as Northern abolitionists when we saw her. We helped her escape and we got to the Virginia border and figured we couldn't go any farther. We turned her that night, so that she could have some power if Treize tried anything. He did, and that was the night that I killed and fed on all of those humans. They weren't even Treize's minions, they were slave hunters whom Treize told where they could locate Molly." There was a long silence as Jina finished her story.
"What does that have to do with the Oracle?" Heero asked.
"We went to see the Oracle, she lived in Florida at the time and she gave the prediction to me. Beware the hasty decisions and the grandiose noise of the night; they will be your damnation. That's what she said and I didn't understand until that night what it meant. My hasty decision to attack those humans and feed on them thinking they were minions; they were the grandiose noise of the night. I am damned because of those things and I accept it." Jina said, a tear sliding down her cheek into the water and making a ripple. Heero floated closer to her and kissed the path that the tear had fallen.
"Don't you dare cry. You have another incarnation to protect and this war will be over. And after the war, I'll take you away from everything and we'll own a small cottage just like this. Next to the beach just like this one and take baths outside in the middle of our grape vines." Heero smiled at her and she smiled back.
"Do you love me that much?" she asked lowering her head in a blush.
"I don't think I've ever loved anything or anyone more." Heero said and stopped their conversation with a kiss.